Kumarakom is a small town in Kerala. If you have seen pictures of the traditional country boat in Kerala backwaters, the chances are they are from Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands, standing on the eastern banks of the charming Vembanad Lake, at around 14 km from Kottayam. Situated in a maze of lush waterways and sandwiched between the ocean-like lake and a network of backwaters, this water world is a part of the Kuttanad region.
Kumarakom, once an old rubber plantation, was subsequently developed into a Bird Sanctuary – and today is one of the famous tourist attractions. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, this water world has plenty of traditional country boats, crafts and canoes which will take you in to the heart of scenic Kerala.
The resorts near by offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga and meditation besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
Vembanad Lake, Kottathodu River and Driftwood Museum are some of the well-known attractions here.
Kumarakom got its name from the deity of the oldest temple Kumaran. The large portion of the Vembanad Lake was reclaimed by George Alfred Baker, an English farmer to build garden and paddy fields. The place has seen a rise in tourism in recent years after finding a mention in Arundhati Roy's bestseller God of Small Things.
Kumarakom is accessible by most modes of transport. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at around 80 kilometer away. Kottayam is the nearest rail head and there are boat services available from Alappuzha. Kottayam is just 16 km away and is serviced by bus and taxis throughout the day.
Kumarakom is one of the ideal destinations to experience the backwaters of Kerala. Kumarakom's tourism activity mostly involves the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake. There are houseboats and resorts of all kind on the shore of the lake that provide tourists with many facilities like fishing, boating, yachting etc. Undertaking a rowing canoe trip to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is also popular among tourists.
The Kumarakom beach is venue to various activities like water sports, swimming, scuba diving etc. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, located close to Kumarakom is also a major tourist draw. Bay Island Driftwood Museum which houses many kinds of twisted stumps of driftwood articles is also popular among tourists.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.